Quebec judge's remarks about 'overweight' teen sex assault victim 'worrisome,' Crown says
Judge Jean-Paul Braun also said 17-year-old 'has a pretty face' while overseeing trial
A Quebec Crown prosecutor is calling comments made by a Quebec court judge about a sexual assault victim "worrisome."
Earlier this week, Judge Jean-Paul Braun came under fire for suggesting it's not the same to consent to a kiss as it is to consent to be touched on the backside.
He made those comments while overseeing the trial of a taxi driver accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old passenger.
Braun also said that the victim was "a bit overweight, but she has a pretty face."
Ultimately, he found taxi driver Carlo Figaro guilty of sexual assault.
The defence is considering an appeal of the conviction, which means the prosecution would face the challenge of defending the judge's ruling, despite his controversial remarks.
'Errors of law'
Prosecutor Dennis Galiatsatos told the appeals court that he suspects it's possible "the judge made several errors of law" and "somewhat serious errors on the question of consent, the sexual character of certain acts, and certain worrisome comments."
But, he added, those errors would have swayed the judge in favour of the taxi driver, and yet Braun still found him guilty.
The defence has received an extension to decide whether it will file a leave to appeal the guilty ruling.
Earlier this week, Quebec Justice Minister Stéphanie Vallée requested that Quebec's magistrates council investigate comments made by the judge.
Figaro is expected back in court next month for sentencing.